Five Red Wines to Celebrate #NationalRedWineDay

August 28 is #NationalRedWineDay! It's also the last Sunday in August, which means we are hanging on to the last bit of summer. Below are some of our current favorites that make for great sips as we savor these last days of one of our favorite months in the Pacific Northwest. Read on - and be sure to stop in and pick one (or all!) up while they, and summer, last!

(Italy) 2021 Angelo Negro unfiltered Brichatto 
Grapes: 100% Brichatto

Notes: A new favorite is one of those "other" red wines from Italy and is perfect for hot summer nights! It is a beautiful cherry color with a slightly purplish hue and a bit cloudy due to being unfiltered and with notes of bright red candied fruits and a pleasant little zip! Be sure to chill well, shake and serve! 

(California) 2021 Les Lunes Cosmic Blend
Grapes: Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Notes: An extremely playful take on a Bordeaux blend with an expressive dark fruity nose, this wine is bold and dry with nicely balanced acidity. It is refreshing with a slight chill and great with your hearty meats on the grill.

(California) 2020 Zincenzo! Carbonic Zinfandel
Grapes: 100% Zinfandel

Notes: Fresh, feisty and juicy, this wine from Napa is bursting with black cherry notes and is an actual exclamation of fun in a bottle - and in your glass! The carbonic maceration results in a bright, fresh, exciting and ready to party wine. Need a wine to pair with your homemade berry popsicles? Look no further. The two are already fast friends but keep the popsicles in the freezer and the wine in the fridge.

(France) 2020 Vignobles Bulliat Morgon Nauture Gamay
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Notes: This is a light, lovely, yet hauntingly complex Beaujolais with pleasant acidity and dark blueberry notes with a persistent minerality making it perfect for summer quaffing. Think freshly made jam from just picked berries on the nose but little persistent sweetness on the palate. This one would pair perfectly with our lamb burger special! 15 minutes in the cooler, and you are good to go!

(Spain) 2020 Pago Casa Gran Falcata Tinto
Grapes: Blend of Syrah, Merlot, Monastrell and Garnacha Tintorera

Notes: Dreaming of ripe black currants, plums and blackberries? This little lovely from Spain has your number. Whether it is a light summer pasta or a steak on the BBQ, this wine will not disappoint. The fruitiness is balanced by the tannins and acid, making it perfect for pairing or just sipping under the stars. Best served at cellar temperature (about 55 degrees).

Wines Perfect for Summer Drinking

July's Case of the Month brings you delicious wines with some stellar surprises that surely will not disappoint.

From a sparkling to a fabulous Spanish Tempranillo and a whole lotta summer sippers to enjoy in between, you won't want to pass on this month's selection, averaging only 16$ s bottle!

Read on and enjoy!

Sparkling

(France) JJ Denois Brut Rosé
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: This beautifully colored sparkling presents fresh, candied notes of raspberry and strawberry. It's light, creamy and perfectly balanced as it is dry, crisp and delicious. From frittatas to fruit tarts and anything fried, this quaffable bubbly is true bliss in a glass.

Rosé

(France) 2021 Domaine de la Jousseliniere Rosé
Grapes: 100% Gamay

Notes: Easy drinking people pleaser with a delicate pinkish salmon hue, this rosé from the Loire Valley shows cherry notes and zingy minerality. With a hint of saline on the finish, this pairs well with any shellfish or a summer strawberry and spinach salad topped with a mild chèvre.

(Oregon) 2021 Little Wing Rosé
Grapes: Blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre

Notes: A pleasant surprise from the Willamette Valley, this rosé shows citrusy notes with a hint of cranberry without the tartness and a delightful finish with hints of butter. It would go well with a nice charcuterie plate with strong cheeses.

Whites

(Greece) 2020 Stamnkai
Grapes: 100% Assyrtiko

Notes: This wine is a bright addition to your summer drinking list. With mellow green apple and honeydew undertones, the malolactic softness balances the crisp acidity. This Greek delight would pair nicely with grilled asparagus or a fantastic Mezza plate.

(France) 2020 Chateau Laulerie Bergerac
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon

Notes: Juicy and luscious, with a soft texture that manages to surprise midpalate with a slight grapefruit hint that gives it a lovely lift. This approachable Sauvignon Blanc shows excellent balance and quality for the price.

(Spain) 2020 Balnea Verdejo
Grapes: 100% Verdejo

Notes: A beautiful floral nose gently floats into the essence of stone fruits with a hint of a yellow gummy bear, which suggests a touch of sweetness, but it is balanced perfectly with acidity to make this an easy drinker. Think shellfish or grilled vegetables with cured meats.

(Oregon) Illahe Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Grapes: 100% Pinot Gris

Notes: Lush and lovely, this Gris perfectly balances tones of honey, slate and unripe peach while maintaining balance with a hint of petrol. Soft on the palate, it lingers with a hint of pear, asking for more. Pairing with spicy foods would be a fine idea, as would grilled portobello mushrooms with a balsamic drizzle and a touch of blue cheese. Yum!

Reds

(Slovenia) 2021, Full Circle Frankinja Gamay
Grapes: 85% Frankinja, 15% Gamay

Notes: Frankinja is native to Slovenia. This organic blend enjoys a wild fermentation in stainless steel and is very expressive of the region's terroir. The results are delicious, with pronounced fruitiness balanced with pleasant acidity and a hint of black pepper. It is ready for you to enjoy with all your meats, from street tacos to a smash burger!

(Oregon) 2017 Matzinger Davies Eola-Amity Pinot Noir
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: It can be hard to find a Willamette Valley Pinot worth noting for under 30$, but this one should not be ignored. Expect notes of cola, earthy forest floor with a suggestive hint of leather nicely balanced by bright bing cherry. Hearty meats on the grill would be a great compliment to this impressive Pinot at a great price.

(Spain) 2009 Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia
Grapes: Tempranillo Blend

Notes: This is an opportunity to sample a stunning Spanish favorite. Spicy dark fruit and oaky undertones lead you to a silky smooth persistent finish. Organic and biodynamically farmed, it is a perfect treat to accompany all your summer BBQ favorites!

(Italy) 2018 Fidora ‘Monte Tabor’ Valpolicella
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvignone

Notes: Inviting herbaceous nose with plenty of black currant and plumb. Summer is the time for the lighter pasta fare, and this gem will perfectly pair! 

(Portugal) 2020 Filipa Pato ‘Dinamica’ Vinho Tinto
Grapes: 100% Baga

Notes: Well balanced bright high acids and all the red fruits on the nose. It is dry, bold, and a little off the beaten path but an extremely well-made natural wine. You won't want to miss the blueberry on the finish!

Four Rosés Perfect for Summer

The warmer weather has finally shown itself, and while we will take the dips in the '70s between heat waves, we are so excited about summer we can hardly stand it. Because although a great Rosé is good any day, there's just something about a chilled glass of the pink stuff that hits different in summer.

So here are four Rosés that are perfect for summer. Rosé all day - yes, way!

2020 Ametozi Ruebentis Rosado

A Spanish delight from the Getariako Txakolina region is liquid pink persuasion in a glass (or a bottle!) With a bit of a peppery, herbaceous vibe, the punchy strawberry and raspberry fruit is balanced with an intense acidity that may leave you with slight effervescence as you enjoy your first sip. At $24, this intriguing delight of a complex pink wine will impress.

2020 Domaine Eugene Carrel Savoie Rosé

An unusual blend of primarily Gamay and Mondeuse is a beautifully clear, light ruby color opening with notes of blackberries and raspberries and hits round and appetizing on the palate. Perfectly balanced acidity with added subtle silver highlights gives that finishing mineral touch that is long-lasting and leaves you wanting more. At $13 a bottle, this agreeable, easy drinker is a must.

2020 Delaille Domaine du Salvard Cheverny

This medium-bodied rosé from the Loire Valley is like the spring we never really had but in a glass. A blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, the delicate berries and citrusy acidity show exquisite balance with notes of unripe honeydew and wet slate with a hint of rhubarb. Bright, dry, crisp and delicious, at $21, it is a must for all Rosé lovers.

2020 Franco Serra FS Rosate Piemonte

At $12 a bottle, this Rosé is your Barbera bang for your budget. It is elegant and light-bodied, with hints of red berry and slightly ripe watermelon with a surprisingly subtle yet noticeable acidity that is a delight on the palate from start to finish. This is your champion if you want that wow factor in a delicious Rosé.

June Case of the Month

This month's case brings you twelve wines that are perfect for sipping with friends and enjoying good food. From bubbles with brunch to an Albarino that pairs great with tuna or swordfish to a red blend that goes great with a burger. This case checks all the boxes and doesn't break the bank, with the average bottle price being $18.50.

We hope you enjoy it! Cheers!

Sparkling

(California) NV Ultraviolet Brut Rosé
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Floral and mineral backbone, fruit-driven. Notes of white flowers, strawberry, raspberry and grapefruit zest. Perfect brunch bubbles.

Rosé

(France) 2021 Pompenette Cote d’Provence Rosé
Grapes: Blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah

Notes: Delightful rosé from Southwest France. Nice mouth texture, soft berry and melon fruit tones and zippy orange zest in the finish. 

Whites

(France) 2020 Chateau De Cranne Bordeaux Blanc
Grapes: Blend of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris

Notes: Rich textured with surprisingly tropical fruit aromas. Underripe stone fruit with balanced acidity. 

(Italy) 2021 Col Dei Venti ‘Primifiori’
Grapes: 100% Cortese

Notes: Clean stone and citrus aromas with lemon zest in the finish. Easy-going Italian white table wine.

(France) 2017 Vignoble Brisebarre Cuvee Amedee Vouvray SEC
Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc

Notes: Bone dry with touches of honeysuckle and a lovely plump, fruity mid-palate. Enjoy with a ham and gruyere sandwich!

(France) 2020 Leirana Rias Baixas
Grapes: 100% Albarino 

Notes: Tart pineapple fruit, crisp acidity, medium mouth weight and a touch o' salinity in the finish. Great with a 'meaty' fish dinner, like tuna or swordfish. 

Reds

(Italy) 2020 Foradori Teroldego
Grapes: 100% Teroldego

Notes: Very cool, well-structured red from about as far north as you can go in Italy- Trentino. Intense dark fruit, underlying black pepper spices, elegant and balanced finish. This wine is both exciting and delicious. 

(France) 2018 Vattan Sancerre Rouge
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Incredible bottle of red from Sancerre in the Loire Valley, France. Intense earthy and herbaceous aromas, spicy and dark fruited mid-palate, pleasantly structured finish. Superb.  

(Austria) 2020 Altenburger Blaufrankisch
Grapes: 100% Blaufrankisch

Notes: Easy drinking, summery red from Austria. Bright red fruit, soft fruit tones, forest herbs and soft acidity in the finish. Perfect for a charcuterie and cheese board. 

(Italy) 2018 Avignonesi Cantaloro Toscana
Grapes: Blend of Sangiovese, Cab Sauv, and Merlot

Notes: Inviting aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries, and sweet spices. This medium-bodied Super Tuscan is fruit-driven yet balanced with a smooth, long-lingering, dry finish. Great burger wine!!

(Spain) 2019 Gaba do Xil Tinto
Grapes: Blend of Mencia and Merenzao

Notes: This Spanish red wine is produced from certified organic mencía and merenzao grapes from estate vineyards. Another great warm-weather red that's fresh, expressive, and food-friendly. Medium-bodied, nice berry fruit tones, and balanced tart acidity. Yum.

(Oregon) 2018 Crowley' DH' Pinot Noir
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: New release from one of our favorite local wineries. This pinot is fruit-forward, medium structured, with a pleasant overall mouthfeel. Great local bottle for under $30!

May Case of the Month

This month, we bring you a variety of wines perfect for every night of the week. We've got some great Spring wines to enjoy, even if the Oregon weather isn't cooperating, including a Sparkling Basque blend that screams spring with fresh berries and citrus. 

There are a few great finds from the Willamette Valley and some more unique finds from Sardinia and Croatia. 

It's a great case of your everyday staples and out-of-the-box adventures. We hope you enjoy! Cheers!

Sparkling

(Spain) 2021 Ameztoi Rubentus
Grapes: Basque field blend

Notes: Ameztoi from the European Basque region between Spain and France never disappoints. They focus on making slightly effervescent (spritzy, if you will) crisp and tasty wines. This bottle screams spring! Fresh berries and citrus all the way. 

Rosé

(Or) 2021 Wild Hills Willamette Valley Rosé
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Lovely local fruit makes up this tasty rosé. Nice mouth texture, ripe watermelon and orange zest. Yum. 

Whites

(Wa) 2019 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla White
Grapes: 100% Semillon

Notes: Rich textured and mineral-driven Washington white. This bottle is for chardonnay lovers. Pair with herb roast chicken and roasted potatoes. 

(Oregon) 2021 L’Umami Willamette Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Notes: Clean aromas and granite on the palate with plump rounded edges. 

(Italy) 2020 Limizzani Vermentino di Gallura 
Grapes: 100% Vermentino di Gallura

Notes: Lovely white Sardinian table wine at a good value. Yellow fruits, balanced acidity and a touch of salinity on the finish. Incredibly food-friendly! Perfect for lunch and dinner fare. 

(France) 2018 Chateau Bellini Provence Blanc
Grapes: 100% Rolle 

Notes: Unique white from Provence, France. Pleasant viscosity, white dry candied fruit and a crisp acidity finish. Superbly elegant. 

Reds

(Oregon) 2017 Bow and Arrow' Time Machine' Red Blend
Grapes: Blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc

Notes: Quirky local blend from popular local vintners, Bow and Arrow. The Gamay and Pinot impart fresh acidity and tart red berry fruit, and the Cab Franc fills out the mid-palate with bright blueberry. So good!

(Spain) 2020 La Comarcal Del Moro Tinto
Grapes: 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah

Notes: Delmoro Tinto is a Mediterranean red with great freshness and balance, with a fruit-driven, approachable palate. Perfect for cured meats and salty cheeses. 

(Oregon) 2020 Hyland Estates' Old Vine' Pinot Noir
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Pretty single vineyard Pinot from McMinnville AVA. Solidly medium-bodied with notes of plum and firmly wooded texture. 

(Italy) 2020 Giacomo Fenocchio Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Grapes: 100% Barbera d’Alba

Notes: Full-bodied and robust Barbera d'Alba from Piedmont in Northern Italy. Dense and darkly fruited, pleasant rustic 'old world' aromas and a silty earthy finish. This bottle is super fun to see evolve as it opens up. Try a glass on night 1, night 2 and night 3 and see how distinct the different stages of flavor are. Incredible bottle!

(Croatia) 2016 Ivica Pilizota Bibenik
Grapes: 100% Babic

Notes: Fun Croatian red! Lean on the palate with tart berries and lingering black pepper in the finish. Delish.

(Italy) 2019, Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese

Notes: Great bottle of Tuscan red! Classic Sangiovese tones: beautiful earthy aromas, bright acidity, nicely textured leather and blue fruit. 

April Case of the Month

Dust off the bocce balls and picnic baskets! We've got lots of fun springtime wines to enjoy in this month's case.

Of particular note is a food-friendly Sicilian white made from the lesser-known 'Caricante' grape and a super fun light-bodied Gamay from Beaujolais.

We hope you enjoy this month’s mix! Cheers!

Sparkling

(Oregon) 2017 Argyle WV 'Vintage Brut'
Grapes: Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Notes: Great value bottle of bubbly from central Italy. Focused refreshing citrus on the palate, floral aromas and a clean, zippy finish. Perfect for lite fare, salty cheeses and simple plates of pasta. 

Rosé

(Ca) 2020 Para Maria de los Tecolotes Rosé
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Tangy and red fruit-driven rosé from Santa Barbara on the Southern Cali coast. 

Whites

(Alsace) 2019 Hugel 'Gentil' Blanc
Grapes: Alsatian Field Blend

Notes: Fun French/German blend with approachable complexity. The spicy flavor of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner.

(Italy) 2020 Benati Etna Bianco’
Grapes: 100% Caricante

Notes: One of our favorite new wines for the spring season. Very nicely balanced Sicilian white: mineral-driven with a nice plump mouth weight, crisp acidity, and a touch o' salinity. Fantastic for food pairing! Enjoy this with bitter lettuces, feta and herbed garlic chicken salad. 

(Spain) 2017 Miquel Pons ‘77 Veremes’
Grapes: 100% Xarello

Notes: Aromas of apples and pears, with a firm mineral backbone. Pair with scallops or halibut in a caper and garlic butter sauce. Yum.  

(Oregon) 2020 Human Cellars Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Notes: Super tasty white with typical Willamette Valley characteristics from one of our newer small-batch producers. Ripe yellow apple fruit has a prominent yet soft wooded texture, pleasant vanilla aroma and balanced acidity. 

Reds

(Oregon) 2017 Ruby Vineyards' Laurelwood' Pinot Noir
Grapes:100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Lovely structured local red from Ruby Vineyards. Lean on the palate with tart red berry fruit and a fun balance of earthy tannins on the finish. 

(France) 2020 Le Canon de la Goulue Rouge
Grapes: Mostly Malbec, with a little Cab Sauv and Merlot

Notes: Medium bodied on the light side, ripe blue fruit, bell pepper aromas, black pepper palette. Pair with a charcuterie board and a game of cribbage. Booooom.

(Spain) 2018 Pago Casa Gran ‘Elegant’ Tinto
Grapes: Blend of Garnatxa and Monestrel

Notes: This Spanish blend checks all of the 'natural' wine boxes: organic, biodynamic, natural yeast fermented and vegan! It's also super tasty. Full-bodied, dark-fruited and easy drinking. 

(France) 2018 Le Cinciole Chianti Classico
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese

Notes: Elegant Italian red from the heart of Tuscany in central Italy. Beautiful earthy and peppery aromas, pleasantly wooded and chocolatey tannins, and tart red/blue fruit tones. This wine would be fun with a bolognese but could also stand up to a steak.

(Spain) 2020 Messanges Rouge Chinon
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc

Notes: Classic green bell pepper aromas upfront, nicely dense blue and black fruit, forest floor herbs. Delish.

(Oregon) 2020 Glou Glou Beaujolais 1L
Grapes: 100% Gamay

Notes: A liter bottle with a screw top! Perfect for picnicking at the park. This bottle screams spring: bright tart raspberry and strawberry fruit, light-bodied, fresh acidity. Great with a 20 minute chill in the fridge. 

March Case of the Month

Our March Case of the Month has arrived! This month we've got an eclectic group of wines that are sure to keep you busy while tasting through and checking out the regions and producers involved. There is a Sancerre Rose, an easy-drinking liter from Slovenia, wine from the Loire Valley, and a few local producers. This month you receive a savings of over $40 - going from $232 down to $186!

Whites and Rosé

Daniel Chotard Sancerre Rosé (FR) $ 31
Pago del Cielo “Celeste” Verdejo (SP) $17
Lone Birch Chardonnay (WA) $11
Haut-Rian Bordeaux Rosé (FR) $15
Crnko Jarenincan (SL) $21

Reds

Casa Ferreirinha “Papa Figos” (PT) $18
Growers Guild Cabernet Sauvignon (WA) $18
Brigaldara Valpolicella (IT) $20
Pago Casa Gran “Elegant” GSM (SP) $16
Gifford Hirlinger “Stateline Red” (WA) $18
Domaine de la Garreliere “Cimabre” Cab. Franc (FR) $32
Dos Minas Tannat (AR) $15

February Case of the Month

The February case of the month features some great selections to get you through the rest of winter. In addition, there are some lovely "Tuesday Night" wines to get you through the workweek and a few bottles that will be perfect for a romantic pasta dinner.

We hope you enjoy this case that comes to you with a 20% discount.

Cheers!

Whites and Rosé

(Oregon) 2020 Upper Five Rogue Valley Rosé
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir

Notes: Medium-bodied with tart cherry fruit and nicely balanced acidity.  

(Italy) 2020 Inama Vin Soave
Grapes: 100% Garganega

Notes: Surprisingly tasty Italian table wine from the Northern appellation of Soave. Crisp green apple and lemon peel. Delish. 

(Oregon) 2019 Eyrie Vineyards Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Grapes: 100% Pinot Gris

Notes: Floral aromas, with lush tangy fruit. Eyrie's Estate Pinot Gris is solid year after year. 

(France) 2019 Les pentes de Barène ‘Tursan’ Blanc
Grapes: Blend of Baroque, Gros Manseng, and Sauvignon Blanc

Notes: Very cool French blend from the lesser-known appellation of 'Tursan' in Southwest France. This wine tastes like taking a bite out of a ripe ruby grapefruit- flesh, pith, and all. It's a fantastic bottle for under $20!

(France) 2020 Domaine Hippolyte ‘Reverdy’ Sancerre
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Notes: Nicely textured mouthfeel, grapefruit and green apple mid-palate, fine acidity and a hint of lemongrass in the finish. 

(Oregon) 2020 Human Cellars ‘A Los Granjeros’ Eola-Amity Chardonnay
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Notes: Awesome local, small-batch Chardonnay from the husband and wife team that makes the Human Cellars wine. Rich and full-bodied with a pleasant balance of new and neutral oak, mineral-driven with ripe yellow apple fruit. 

Reds

(Italy) 2020 Francesco Rinaldi ‘Roussot’
Grapes: 100% Dolcetto

Notes: Great new release from one of our favorite Piedmont producers in Northern Italy. Medium-bodied with plump blue fruit tones and a fun black pepper streak through the midpalate. Great bottle for bolognese penne and freshly grated parm. 

(France) 2016 Chateau de Grandchamp
Grapes: Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes: Chateau de Grandchamp is one of our go-to red Bordeaux producers. Full-bodied, dense, dark-fruited, with well integrated tannins. Stellar cold weather red!

(Italy) 2020 Capranera Aglianico
Grapes: 100% Aglianico

Notes: Great Tuesday night pizza wine. This bottle is uncomplicated, with lively red and blue fruit tones and a touch of tannin in the finish. Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Red.

(France) 2011 Copertino Riserva
Grapes: Blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera

Notes: Fun value bottle of Italian red! Prominent funky old-world aromas of iron and cedar, tart red fruit tones, and check out the vintage: the most recent release is from 2011! Gotta love that old-world wine making. So cool! 

(Spain) 2018 Litrona ‘clos Lentiscus’
Grapes: 100% Sumoll

Notes: Crunchy raspberry and forest floor herbs, lean on the midpalate, firm, sharp, structured finish. 

(Washington) 2018 K Vintners ‘Milbrandt Syrah’
Grapes: 100% Syrah

Notes: Lush purple and black fruit, rich density, light vanilla and dark chocolate.